The FC Bayern Munich has clinched the German football championship for the 34th time, following a dramatic turn of events in the Bundesliga this weekend. Bayer Leverkusen's inability to secure a victory against SC Freiburg, finishing the match 2:2, means that Bayern's lead at the top of the table is now insurmountable with only two matchdays remaining. The Bavarian giants now hold an eight-point advantage over their closest rivals, effectively sealing the title.
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Bayern Munich faced RB Leipzig in a thrilling match that ended in a 3:3 draw. Despite the disappointment of not winning the championship on the pitch that day, the team enjoyed a mini-title celebration at a posh restaurant in Munich. Star striker Harry Kane, who had been sidelined due to a yellow card suspension, led the celebrations by singing "We are the Champions" into the camera, reveling in his first-ever club title after 694 professional matches.
Joshua Kimmich, who played a pivotal role throughout the season, reflected on the championship, stating, "We are German champions, if we are all honest." The title was especially significant for Bayern, coming off a season where they faced early exits in both the DFB-Pokal and the Champions League. Despite these setbacks, the Bundesliga title salvages their season, providing a sense of accomplishment for the team.
Freiburg's match against Leverkusen saw a tense battle, with Freiburg initially taking the lead thanks to a stunning goal from Maximilian Eggestein in the 44th minute. Eggestein struck from nearly 30 meters out, giving the home side a crucial advantage. Shortly after the break, a defensive error from Leverkusen allowed Johan Manzambi to head the ball into the net, increasing Freiburg's lead to 2:0.
However, Leverkusen, under coach Xabi Alonso, fought back. Florian Wirtz scored in the 82nd minute, and Jonathan Tah netted the equalizer in stoppage time (90+3), but it was too late to change the outcome of Bayern's title aspirations. With this draw, Leverkusen's hopes of defending their title were dashed.
As Bayern celebrated their championship, the mood was bittersweet for veteran Thomas Müller, who will be leaving the club this summer after an illustrious career. Müller, who has now collected 13 league titles with Bayern, expressed mixed feelings about the season, stating, "The whole team had this Champions feeling with the equalizer, with the lead. We felt the adrenaline enormously." His final home game for Bayern will be against Borussia Mönchengladbach on May 10, 2025, where he will receive the championship trophy.
The celebration at the restaurant was a moment of joy for Bayern players, including new head coach Vincent Kompany, who is experiencing his first major success in management. The players enjoyed drinks together, with Eric Dier opting for a beer while others toasted with wine. The team atmosphere is reported to be excellent, with Kimmich emphasizing that the squad has a good feeling in the locker room.
Despite the celebrations, Bayern's management has urged caution. Max Eberl, the sporting director, prohibited a planned title trip to Ibiza, wanting to avoid setting a precedent for future celebrations. Kimmich humorously countered, suggesting, "We’ll all travel separately so no one notices." This reflects the club's desire to maintain focus as they prepare for the upcoming Club World Cup in the USA this summer.
The British press has reacted enthusiastically to Kane's achievement, celebrating it as a long-awaited milestone in his career. The Daily Mail noted that the title "justifies in a way his 100-million-pound transfer from Tottenham in the summer of 2023," highlighting the pressure Kane faced to secure silverware after several near misses with both club and country.
As Bayern Munich prepares for their final matches of the season, the focus will be on celebrating their 34th title while also bidding farewell to a club legend in Müller. The upcoming match against Mönchengladbach promises to be an emotional affair, marking the end of an era for one of the Bundesliga's most iconic players. With their championship secured, Bayern will look to finish the season strong and carry their momentum into the next campaign.
